Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair serves as a long-term archive of alcohol and drug use, capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core four steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial phase of processing a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick initial check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective means to rule out drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that show positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to perform.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Among the key advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Argonne, WI, is its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests offer a broader timeframe for identifying drug use, capturing evidence long after ingestion. This method minimizes the risk of false negatives, providing peace of mind to employers aiming for accurate results. Enhanced reliability bolsters the argument for hair testing as a more dependable option than urine testing.
Hair follicle testing in Argonne, WI, extends the timeframe for substance detection up to 90 days. This significant advantage offers employers a thorough overview of an individual's drug use history. Unlike urine tests with a limited detection window, hair testing paints a full picture of substance habits, enabling informed, strategic decisions regarding employment based on comprehensive substance history.
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Argonne, WI, makes it a forthright choice for reducing sample tampering risks. This method's secure nature greatly diminishes opportunities for adulteration or substitution. Observed collection and analysis procedures provide reliable and indisputable results. Implementing hair drug tests promises authenticity, thereby enhancing result credibility beyond comparables like urine tests.
Accredited testing centers across the nation, including those in Argonne, WI, bring unparalleled convenience for drug testing access. Their wide network ensures swift service, making the testing process hassle-free. Whether locally in Argonne or beyond, individuals find it easy to access necessary testing services promptly, thanks to strategic locations minimizing travel constraints and optimizing user experience.
The simplicity and confidentiality of the hair follicle testing process in Argonne, WI, reassure participants of privacy protection. Orders, tests, and results follow streamlined procedures that prioritize user ease and confidentiality. Quick, unobtrusive testing empowers individuals to maintain privacy without sacrificing swiftness or convenience, making the process straightforward from start to finish.
Argonne, WI, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, making them an affordable choice with swift return times. This testing method's high value includes not only cost-effectiveness but also rapid results that do not compromise quality. All business sizes benefit, securing significant cost savings and enjoying the prompt, reliable results that come with hair follicle testing.
The modern hair follicle drug test is lauded for its speed and accuracy. In Argonne, WI, this testing method ensures swift results that reflect a high level of precision. Detecting substance use is accomplished quickly with the hair follicle test, making it a reliable option over more traditional methods. The advancements in hair analysis technology facilitate immediate insights for individuals and organizations alike.
For employers in Argonne, WI, adhering to a drug-free workplace policy is streamlined through hair follicle testing. Compliance is paramount, and this method supports legal safeguarding against potential drug-related liabilities. Employers gain confidence from the reliable evidence provided by hair tests, contributing to a safer working environment and establishing a foundation of trust and security within the organization.
